This week, South Africa’s low-cost carrier, LIFT, has once again showcased its fun and exciting side with two surprises for its customers. On a recent flight between Johannesburg and Cape Town, passengers had the chance to tune in to a live silent disco featuring a famous South African artist. A few days later, the airline unveiled a special livery in collaboration with Disney ahead of the much-anticipated festive season.
In Flight Entertainment! Live
Apart from the excitement of traveling at high speeds and altitudes, one significant part of the onboard experience is the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE). On October 16, the A320 operator went all out by treating unsuspecting customers to a live silent disco at 36,000 ft. All individuals received a pair of headphones and joined the disco. Some were even seen dancing in their seats and in the aisle.
Passengers onboard flights GE132 and GE133 were lucky to be part of this memorable experience. Flight GE132 departed Cape Town International (CPT) at 13:09 and landed at Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB) at 14:45. The return flight GE133 left JNB at 16:16 and landed at CPT at 18:12. The services were operated with the Airbus A320.
The guest performer was South Africa’s Zolani Mahola, “The One Who Sings,” the voice behind LIFT’s official anthem. The piece reflects Zolani’s sentiments about the feeling of well-being and positivity, which the airline symbolizes. The performance was also part of LIFT’s mission to continue supporting local artists. The airline’s CEO, Jonathan Ayache, said,
“We’re on a mission to ‘upLIFT’ South Africa, especially within the artistic community; the support of both local businesses and talent is important to us. By creating platforms for local talent to shine, we hope to bring a little upliftment to South Africans at the same time.”
As a familiar voice in Africa, passengers can hear Zolani’s uplifting sound in the anthem each time they board a LIFT flight. The song was part of the carrier’s ambition to uplift South Africa (#upLIFTsa) and everyone affected by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic soon after it was launched in 2020.
UpLIFTing South Africa
Having commenced operations in December 2020, the launch of LIFT was a remarkable achievement. Since then, it has surprised its customers with a number of live onboard performances. The airline has hosted the Cape Town Opera during their national tour, artist Divin Mahara, who launched his album with LIFT’s first silent disco, and comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout, who performed a skit at 36,000 ft.
The latest artist to appear on the silent disco, Zolani, recently embarked on the latest installment of her musical career as “The One Who Sings.” This follows 17 years of success with afro-fusion group Freshlyground. LIFT was delighted to welcome her back onboard well after they collaborated on the anthem. Jonathan Ayache added,
“Our collaboration with Zolani Mahola for our anthem was just the start. We’re thrilled to have her back onboard for a surprise performance. Our dream is to let LIFT become a springboard for musicians, artists, and entertainers around the country. From here, the sky really is the limit.”
The airline continues collaborating with renowned content creators in South Africa and has played a significant role in providing artists with hassle-free travel.
Making magic with Disney
On October 19, LIFT and the Walt Disney Company Africa unveiled a special livery to kickstart the “May Your Wishes Come True” campaign, Disney’s biggest festive campaign in the country. The special livery showcases some of the company’s most beloved characters, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Moana, MARVEL’s Black Panther and Spider-Man, Frozen’s Elsa and Star Wars’ Grogu.
Asha from Disney’s upcoming animated film “Wish” is also featured on the new livery. It can be spotted in the South African skies on LIFT’s Airbus A320, registration ZS-GAS. The aircraft made its first Disney-liveried flight on October 20 from Johannesburg to Durban. It can also be spotted in Cape Town.
More and more surprises!
In collaboration with Disney, LIFT will be rolling out more onboard surprises for its customers, including special giveaways and kiddies activity packs to make flying with children easier during the holidays. The airline claims to have additional surprises between the 1st and the 12th of December for lucky travelers on specific flights.
Fans and customers who get a chance to spot or fly on the aircraft are encouraged to share their pictures on social media, tagging LIFT_SA and DisneyAfrica with #DisneyandLIFT. Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa Christine Service said,
“To mark our 100th year anniversary (16 October 2023), The Walt Disney Company is celebrating the fans and storytellers who have sparked the joy and magic that embodies Disney over the last century. We hope that this exciting and unique collaboration with LIFT will bring delight to travelers of all ages this holiday season as we mark this milestone anniversary.”
Jonathan Ayache believes that as a beloved family brand, Disney is a perfect fit for the airline. The new livery showcases the love, magic, and family togetherness spread worldwide during the festive season. By unveiling this fun side, LIFT hopes to inspire “wonder and excitement” ahead of the upcoming school holidays and “family celebrations.”
Source: Simpleflying